Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Christopher Rantanen, a 40-year-old resident of Brandon, Vermont, has been sentenced to 35 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of firearms. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss on January 27, 2026. Rantanen had previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents show that the incident began in September 2024 when Rantanen was involved in a single-car accident on U.S. Route 7 in Pittsford, Vermont. Law enforcement officers responding to the scene issued tickets for several traffic violations and questioned Rantanen about possible drug or alcohol use, which he denied. Fire department officials later found him slumped over on a bench nearby. Officers again asked about drug use, but Rantanen continued to deny it.
While waiting for a tow truck, officers noticed drug paraphernalia inside and around Rantanen’s vehicle. A search warrant was obtained, leading to the discovery of two handguns—one of which was privately manufactured—ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, and additional drug paraphernalia inside the car.
In November 2024, law enforcement encountered Rantanen again during a response to a drug-related complaint in Rutland, Vermont. After removing both occupants from the vehicle, officers observed a Glock pistol near where Rantanen had been seated. A subsequent search revealed approximately 13 grams of fentanyl and about 19 grams of crack cocaine near his seat.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt recognized the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Pittsford Police Department for their investigation into this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra prosecuted the case while Lisa Shelkrot represented Rantanen.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime."
